This hands-on workshop presents what some consider to be the most beautiful of all historic 19th century photographic techniques, the Gum Bichromate printing process. Starting with a simple black and white negative we’ll explore unique methods of transforming them into elegant color images created by hand on watercolor paper.

Gum printing is one of the few alternative processes that allows the photographer to choose the color(s) of the final print. We’ll begin by creating a simple cyanotype on watercolor paper and then slowly and methodically apply a variety of colors -sometimes more than one at a time! resulting in gorgeous full color images that are the direct result of your imagination and desire. Gum printing is a serendipitous photo process, yet one which rewards the patient artist with a truly rare and beautiful full color handmade print.

This workshop will cover a lot of ground including: demonstrations, slides, viewing prints, and hands-on time to explore the process, produce your own imagery, and take home lots of new artwork! This is a class for artists and photographers of all levels who wish to gain a broader understanding of photography’s history and potential by exploring a beautiful color photographic process in a fun and experimental way. Advanced skills in digital or traditional darkroom photography are not assumed or required.

Participants are free to bring their own large format negatives (film or digital) and take home exciting new artwork. Sizes from 4×5″ to 11 x17 are recommended. If you do not have a negative we can print one on site, or provide some for your own explorations. Complete instructions for making enlarged digital negatives will be sent a few weeks before the workshop.

About F295

F295 existed between 2004-2015 as the premier destination of image makers seeking to push the boundaries of photographic practice through the intentional use and combination of photographic process and technique combined with a deliberate choice of subject and content to create work that's brilliantly exciting. The organization held 7 semi-annual symposia that featured over 100 unique lectures, over 40 workshops, and several exhibitions. People from around the world joined together in Pittsburgh PA to celebrate and explore this exciting and unique form of contemporary photographic practice.